Yolande James

Yolande James is a Lecturer at McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy and a former political leader. She was the first Black woman elected to Quebec’s National Assembly (2004) and the first from the Black community appointed to a Quebec cabinet position as Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities (2007). After leaving politics, she contributed to Bishop's University's Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and became Executive Director, Diversity and Inclusion, French Services at Radio-Canada in 2021.

Her academic background includes a

• Bachelor of Civil Law from Université de Montréal
• Bachelor of Common Law from Queen's University

Her research and professional focus centers on diversity, inclusion, and immigration policy, bridging her legal expertise with public administration and equity initiatives.

She teaches the course Policy Case Study: Canada, Quebec, and Immigration, reflecting her policy specialization.